Friday: Further Thought – Jesus and the Book of Revelation
Further Thought: “In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God. The very name given to its inspired pages, ‘the Revelation’, contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in this book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all. Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days of this earth’s history, as well as to those living in the days of John. Some of the scenes depicted in this prophecy are in the past, some are now taking place; some bring to view the close of the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven, and some reveal the triumphs and joys of the redeemed in the earth made new”. — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles , p. 584.
The texts we looked at this week, in both the beginning and the end of the book, show just how much of Revelation is about Jesus. Even with all the Old Testament references to historical events, the book of Revelation teaches us more about our Lord Jesus. See also Revelation 3:14; Revelation 5:5-6; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 19:11-16 for even more texts in Revelation about Him. When we put these texts together, we can get a powerful representation of Jesus and what He should mean to us as those who claim to be His followers.
Discussion Questions:
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Disciples spent three and a half years with Jesus.
Paul spent three years in the dessert of Arabia.
Matthew 13:9-11
9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
Secret things of God are revealed to those who are willing to walk with the Lord.
I'd add marvelous blessings are expected to those who stand by Jesus' every day!
I would say “promised” and not “expected” to those who stand by JEsus But even more so Jesus is promised to stand by those who stand by Him every day. I feel His presence when I connect with Him via prayer every time I do so.
We can help Jesus give hope to those around us, particularly at times of grief by respectfully just being there. If called upon, we can express our strength, hope, and peace at present, and for the future when He returns.
Unfortunately many people nowadays are saying that Revelation is a, conversely, non-revealed book. Maybe because they do not comprehend, maybe because they do not want to discover what it really says. When people do not have a substance to bring from the Bible (because it is allegedly “sealed”), what remains is just an emotional experience, and this way many are going to be left in error because didn’t embraced the love of the truth. May the Lord keep our minds open by The Spirit to know really what He wants to tell us!
The question: "What does the fact that all through the New Testament constant reference is made to the Old Testament mean for us? What should it tell us about how central Scripture should be to our faith and how seriously we must take the Word of God?"
I like the way Revelation begins - verse 5 in the opening chapter, before any other revelation, the most important message of all scripture is proclaimed - the gospel. "and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,"
Even in the Old Testament, the Priesthood, with their duties and handling of the sacrifices were all demonstrating the gospel by faith, which was fulfilled by Christ. I think that shows how important and relevant the scriptures are from Genesis to Revelation.
The gospel is established, then Revelation continues by giving the message from Christ to the churches down through the ages.
A side note: John was know as "the one whom Jesus loved" and was often found to be the closest to Jesus, even leaning against him at the Last Supper. Interesting that when Jesus appeared to John as told in Revelation 1:17, Jesus did not appear as John's Rabbi and close friend, but as the Holy One of Heaven. John could not stand before Him, but fell to the ground as if dead. How sobering and serious is that?
With that in mind, I wonder what Christ expects when we enter our places of worship. Somewhere between "take off your sandals because the ground you stand on is Holy ground" (Exodus 3:5) and "David leaping and dancing before the Lord" (2 Samuel 8:16) there must be a proper due to God. What is the proper due to God in that regard?
What is clear about Jesus is found in the Gospels, Matthew ,Mark , Luke and John. The same John, author of Revelation. All books in the Bible are inspired for good purposes. Those that read the Bible, Sola Scriptura, will not be misled. To pray before reading the Bible, is the best method of study available.